In brief
The US and other Western countries issued a joint statement warning that Sudan's ongoing civil war could trigger a famine. The statement notes that the conflict has destroyed critical infrastructure and disrupted food production, affecting millions of civilians. It calls on the opposition forces to lift all obstacles and allow unhindered aid delivery. The warning comes amid reports that over 19 million people are facing acute food insecurity.
The United States, along with 30 other Western countries, issued a joint statement on Monday warning that Sudan's ongoing civil war could trigger a famine, calling on warring parties to remove obstacles to humanitarian aid.
The statement, signed by the EU, the UK, Canada, Switzerland, Norway and the US, highlighted that the conflict—rooted in a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces—has shattered critical infrastructure and halted food production, leaving 19.5 million people, or 41% of Sudan's population, in acute food insecurity.
Yusuf Roble, regional director for Islamic Relief East Africa, described the harrowing conditions faced by civilians who, after fleeing conflict zones, return to find homes destroyed or looted. He recalled a mother of seven whose husband, the family’s sole breadwinner, had vanished half a decade ago.
Only 40% of Sudan’s 2026 humanitarian needs plan has been funded, Roble said, and community kitchens are becoming unsustainable due to ongoing funding cuts.
The statement warns that the number of children with severe acute malnutrition could exceed the projected 825,000 if immediate aid flows are not restored. It also cites the compounded impact of El Niño, which has dried up rainfall across half of Sudan, intensifying the crisis.
The United Nations’ Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported in June that 5.1 million people are already facing severe hunger. The western warning underscores the need for the warring sides to enable full, safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
